We hope you will take a moment to read about Poetic Justice Project, an organization that is helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the community, and will join us in honoring them on June 7 along with other members of the community.

Deborah Tobola started the local program in 2009 to engage formerly incarcerated youth and adults in original plays that examine crime, punishment and redemption.

Tobola has a passion for social change, creating art and putting artists before audiences. Through the project, 87 actors have appeared in 12 theatre productions. Many are active in their communities—creating art, mentoring at-risk youth, counseling people coming out of jail and prison, advocating on behalf of indigent people, and studying at Hancock or Cuesta Colleges.

Several PJP actors have gone on to act in local community theatre productions. One has moved to Chicago to start his own theatre company. Another is the star of a new web TV show. Only three participants have been re-incarcerated in prison.

If you are not already a member, please consider joining SB CAN, a progressive organization working to promote social and economic justice, to preserve our environmental and agricultural resources, and to create sustainable communities. SB CAN advocates a holistic approach to community planning that integrates housing, open space, and transportation to meet the needs of all members of our community and future generations.